Enlightenment Thinkers
Which Enlightenment thinker argued that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
In what year was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
1776
What are the first three words of the Constitution?
We the People
What are the two chambers of Congress?
The House of Representatives and the Senate
Which branch of government makes federal laws?
The legislative branch—Congress
What is the agreement in which people accept government authority in exchange for protection of their rights?
The social contract
Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights
How is representation determined in each chamber of Congress?
House seats are based on state population; every state has two senators.
What power allows the president to reject a bill passed by Congress?
The veto
Which thinker influenced the division of government power into legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Montesquieu
What three unalienable rights are named in the Declaration?
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
What principle divides power between the national government and state governments?
Federalism
What is the main job of a standing committee in the lawmaking process?
To study, hold hearings on, and consider bills related to a particular subject.
What fraction of each chamber of Congress must vote to override a presidential veto?
Two-thirds of each chamber
According to John Locke, what can people do when a government repeatedly violates their natural rights?
Change or overthrow that government and establish a new one.
Why did the Declaration include a list of grievances against King George III?
To show how the king had abused his power and justify independence.
Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could request money from states but could not require them to pay taxes. How did the Constitution address this weakness?
It gave Congress the power to tax.
The House and Senate pass different versions of a bill. What must happen before the bill can go to the president?
Both chambers must approve the exact same version.
The president nominates a Supreme Court justice. Which chamber can approve or reject the nominee?
The Senate
A student says, “The government only has authority because the people allow it to govern.” Which Enlightenment idea does this statement describe?
Consent of the governed
The Declaration says governments receive “their just powers from the consent of the governed.” How did this challenge the king’s authority?
It argued that government’s authority comes from the people, so a king does not have an unlimited right to rule them.
A president claims that holding office means he does not have to obey the law. Which constitutional principle contradicts this claim, and why?
Rule of law: everyone, including government officials, must obey the law.
Congress passes a law creating a national bank, even though the Constitution does not specifically list that power. Which clause supports this action, and why?
The Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to use implied powers to carry out its enumerated powers, such as taxing and borrowing money.
Congress passes a law, the president signs it, and the Supreme Court later rules that it violates the Constitution. What power is the Court exercising, and how does it check the other branches?
Judicial review. The Court can declare laws unconstitutional, checking Congress and the president.